Never Again, Again

Chapter 14

Just talking to the Immunes made Mike feel like he was losing precious brain cells. Rachel had pulled through her surgery but was in a medically induced coma at the moment. He finally made it back to the hotel about five the next evening, absolutely exhausted. He walked into the hotel suite that his family resided in and smiled at Christine and the girls.

"You're back!" Christine said.

"That sounds like it shocks you." Mike remarked.

"We knew you'd come back, just not when. We hadn't ordered dinner yet. Are you hungry?" Christine asked.

"Yeah. Order whatever. I want to take a shower. I'm beat." Mike said. He bent down and kissed both of the girls foreheads and gave Christine a kiss on the lips before going into the bedroom and bathroom area. He was not shocked when Christine followed him in.

"Is Doctor Scott okay?" Christine asked.

"She made it through the surgery and is in a medically induced coma as a precaution." Mike answered.

"Good." Christine said. Mike nodded and went into the bathroom to shower. It gave him to reset himself before dealing with his family. When he finally got out, Christine had dinner waiting on him and he was able to eat with his kids and Christine. It was exactly what he needed.

"One of the things I did today was meet with the person sorting out housing for the Nathan James crew. They are looking for a house for us." Mike said.

"That's good. Remember a place for the baby." Christine remarked.

"Yeah. I told him minimum of four bedrooms." Mike said.

"Does that mean we'll have our own rooms?" Katie asked.

"It depends on what he finds. If he only finds three bedrooms we won't complain. Of course; unless you want to bunk with the baby?" Mike asked.

"No." Katie answered flatly.

"Whatever is found, we will manage with." Christine said. He could tell something was on her mind, but she didn't voice it.

They ate the rest of their meal and visited. The girls; Katie especially were tired and went to bed soon after; giving Mike and Christine a chance to talk. She took a shower and settled into bed, next to Mike. He decided to bring up whatever was on her mind.

"So, I could tell that something was on your mind when we talked about the house. What's wrong?" Mike asked.

"Just…you and I. Are we back together or what is going on between us? When you left that morning; we talked that we would work on things when you got home." Christine asked.

"And we really haven't solved anything, have we?" Mike asked.

"No." Christine answered.

"And I'll be leaving soon." Mike remarked.

"At this point; I am just hoping you'll be here when the baby arrives." Christine said.

"I can't even guarantee that. We need to get this cure out as soon as possible and with Dr. Scott recovering; she won't be able to oversee production." Mike explained.

"I understand needing to get the cure distributed but I would think Dr. Scott being injured and not able to oversee everything would slow things down." Christine said.

"Yeah, that's where I am not sure either. I just know when the James gets the order to go; I have to go. But, for whatever its worth, I would rather be here." Mike said.

"Its your shot to be captain." Christine remarked.

"Yes, and as badly as I have wanted that; I would much rather be with you when you have the baby." Mike said, hoping it appeased her. She was being strangely accepting of him not being there. It had been a fight before.

"But the fact of the matter is—you won't be around much for this baby, will you?" Christine asked.

"No. Honestly; you will be a single parent most of the time. Of course; you and the kids will be in a nice home. The bills will be paid, but no, I won't be home a lot. I will want to be here, but…" Mike explained.

"I understand." Christine said.

"If you want to…if you want out, I do understand." Mike said.

"Is that what you want?" Christine asked.

"No. I just want to be clear of what your future looks like. I've really enjoyed…whatever this is." Mike told her. Christine leaned over and gave him a kiss.

"It's a marriage. A partnership. I understand what you're saying, but I just hope when you're home; you can be home." Christine said.

"I will do my best." Mike answered. Christine was laying on her side, facing him and so he turned on his side and put his arms around her. "I am sorry I won't be here for so much." Mike said.

"I am sorry that you won't be too. I hate you missing so much." Christine remarked. Instead of saying anything else; he kissed her and held on as tight as he could; knowing that it was incredibly painful for her.